El Dorado National Forest spans over 596,724 acres of pristine wilderness, set amidst the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Known for its towering pines, scenic lakes, and dramatic granite outcroppings, this forest offers diverse outdoor activities, including RV camping, hiking, fishing, and winter sports. The forest is an all-season destination catering to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and campers alike.
RV camping in El Dorado National Forest is an excellent way to explore its beauty. Campgrounds like Wench Creek Campground and Loon Lake Campground provide facilities for RVs. Moreover, towns like Placerville and Pollock Pines offer RV rentals via RVshare.
Camping in Eldorado National Forest
El Dorado National Forest offers a variety of camping options, including paid campgrounds, dispersed camping areas, and nearby private campgrounds. BLM-managed sites also provide budget-friendly options for camping near El dorado National Forest. Moreover, you can use RVshare to locate dump stations near El Dorado National Forest for a seamless camping experience.
Paid Campgrounds in El Dorado National Forest
Private Campgrounds Near El Dorado National Forest
You can explore additional campgrounds near El Dorado National Forest for camping. Explore the list of top camping options in California to make the most of your RV adventure.
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
-
West Point Campground
The West Point Campground is in Pollock Pines on the shore of the Union Valley Reservoir. This is an intimate little park with only eight sites, which come with a picnic table and fire pit. The park is right next to the boat dock, so you can go boating or fishing. Enjoy spotting wildlife like bears, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds.
-
Big Meadows Campground
The Big Meadows Campground is a beautiful spot with plenty of trees, grasses, scrubs, and, most of all, peace and quiet. This is a large park with 54 sites that come with picnic tables, fire pits, and a food storage box to keep your supplies away from bears. It is close to Hell Hole Reservoir, so you can enjoy swimming, fishing, or boating. The camp has toilets and potable water available. There is also a camp host on-site and firewood for sale.
-
Loon Lake Campground
Loon Lake Campground is the perfect spot if you enjoy fishing. It is accessible to the boat ramp, so you can easily get on the water. Sites come with a picnic table and fire pit with drinkable water and restrooms available. The campground is good sized with 65 sites that can get busy during the summer months. There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
Eldorado National Forest Hiking Trails
El Dorado National Forest boasts over 400 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to strenuous mountain hikes.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Trails
Lakeside Trails
-
Bassi Falls
Bassi Falls is a gorgeous trail near Kyburz that is a nice hike for the whole family. You can bring the kids and the dogs. The best time to go is between May and October when there is enough water in the creek for you to see the falls at their best, 109 feet of cascading water. During the winter, you can enjoy snow hiking or snowshoeing, but be careful to follow the map and stay on the trail.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
-
Lake Margaret Trail
Lake Margaret Trail is an in-and-out trail that has plenty of traffic and features a beautiful river. The trail is open to dogs and even horses. The best time to hike here is between June and October. You can enjoy lush green banks of the creek and huge slabs of granite before you reach Lake Margaret, a great place to swim, have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery of the mountain.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Easy to Moderate
-
Wrights Lake to Enchanted Pool
If you want to enjoy a refreshing hike through the forest, check out the trail from Wrights Lake to Enchanted Pool. This trail is a little less used and rewards you with a gorgeous pool of water at the end. The best time to go is between May and September. Before May, there is often still snow on the ground, so the trail is harder to follow. After September, the water can become stagnant or even dry up. There are lots of gorgeous views along the way as well, and once you get to the pools, you can enjoy a cool swim.
Length: 3.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
-
Thunder Mountain Summit
The Thunder Mountain Summit trail is located near Kirkwood. It is a nice place for a hike or a nature trip. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful meadows, volcanic outcroppings, and forested slopes. The landscape changes as you go along, so it keeps your hike interesting.
Length: 7.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
-
Caples Creek Loop Trail
The Caples Creek Loop Trail is a popular running path, as well as a hiking and backpacking route. There are plenty of places to access the creek along the route, so you can enjoy the cool water with a little wading. You could even find places to camp. This is the perfect hike for early in the season since you can enjoy huge meadows full of wildflowers.
Length: 9.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Activities in Eldorado National Forest
El Dorado National Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, catering to adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Fishing:Cast your line across El Dorado National Forest's coldwater reservoirs, natural lakes, and rivers. Popular spots like Union Valley Reservoir, Ice House Reservoir, and Caples Lake are stocked with trout, while backcountry lakes in Desolation and Mokelumne Wilderness provide opportunities for brook trout fishing.
Boating:Try boating at Union Valley Reservoir or Ice House Reservoir, both equipped with boat ramps and excellent fishing opportunities. For a quieter experience, paddle through the serene lakes of Desolation Wilderness.
Horseback Riding: Ride through the Fleming Trail System, Dru Barner Campground, or Wrights Lake Campground. Enjoy trails of varying degrees of challenge such as Allen Camp and Granite Lake, Emigrant Lake and Munson Meadow Trails — all provide rugged backcountry routes.
OHV Trail Riding:For an exciting OHV trail riding experience, head to the Elkins Flat and Gold Note OHV Trail Systems, known for their diverse terrain and challenging routes. Pipi Campground offers convenient camping facilities and its network of trails makes it a great base for riders.
Winter Sports:In winter enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Sierra At Tahoe and Kirkwood Mountain Resort. Sledging and tubing are family favorites at Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe, while the Silver Bear Snowmobile Trails offer thrilling rides for snowmobiling enthusiasts.
-
Identifying Flora and Fauna
Eldorado National Forest is a lovely area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Enjoy hardwood trees along with conifers, scrubs, and native grasses. There is a huge variety of vegetation at different elevation levels from interior chaparral to oak woodlands. You may also spot a variety of animals. If you enjoy fishing, there are over 600 miles of fishable streams and close to 300 lakes. If you enjoy rock climbing, there is a 600-foot vertical granite wall at Lovers Leap.
How to get to Eldorado National Forest
Address: 100 Forni Road, Placerville CA
Fee: Entry fee (per vehicle, per day) $5.0
By Car
From Sacramento, CA: Take US-50 E for approximately 74.3 miles to reach Eldorado National Forest. The drive takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
From South Lake Tahoe, CA:Drive west on US-50 W. The forest entrance is about 32.5 miles (approximately 45 minutes) away.
From Carson City, NV: El Dorado National Forest is approximately 59.6 miles from Carson City via Hwy 50 and US-50 W/El Dorado Fwy.
By Air
Certain roads, trails, and campgrounds may close during winter or heavy rains. Always check the forest's official website for updates before planning your trip.
Fees and Permits
General access to El Dorado National Forest is free, although some campgrounds charge a fee. Permits are required for wood collection, campfires in some areas, and certain commercial activities. Obtain permits from local ranger stations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eldorado National Forest
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Eldorado National Forest?
Yes, there are lakes and places to kayak and canoe within Eldorado National Forest. There are also places to go rafting and several companies will take rafters down the rapids in the area.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Eldorado National Forest?
Yes, you need a permit to fish or hunt in Eldorado National Forest. Anyone 16 or older needs a fishing license to take any fish they catch.
What is the closest town to Eldorado National Forest?
Kyburz is the closest town to Eldorado National Forest. South Lake Tahoe is also a nearby town, and has plenty of restaurants, campgrounds, and lodgings for travelers.
What type of wildlife lives in Eldorado National Forest?
Wildlife in the Eldorado National Forest includes mountain lions, porcupines, badgers, pine martens, and wolverines. The forest is also in bear country, so you may spot a black bear while exploring the forest.
What is the best time to visit Eldorado National Forest?
The best time to visit Eldorado National Forest is in late summer or early fall. After Labor Day, the summer crowds have died down and the forest is much less crowded. However, the weather tends to still be warm so visitors can hike, bike, and more in pleasant temperatures.
